Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua)

We are delighted to announce the availability of an exciting position for an early career researcher with expertise in marine ecology and statistical analysis to contribute to our research on aquatic resources in the Baltic Sea.

About the position

This is a postdoc position at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. The postdoc will work as part of a collaborative team within the Department of Aquatic Resources, investigating the role of herring in coastal food web dynamics and leading and contributing to scientific publications. The project will utilise existing monitoring data and new data collected within the project. Areas and time periods with different abundances of herring will be used to investigate the role of herring in the coastal ecosystem, as prey for seals, cormorants, perch and pike, and as a predator on fish. The project has three main parts, 1) To investigate the direct and indirect effects of herring on predatory fish, stickleback and filamentous algae through advanced regression analyses and/or structural equation modelling. 2) Analyse the impact of seal and cormorant predation on herring and coastal predatory fish. 3) Compare coastal and open sea food web dynamics over time in response to environmental factors and human-induced pressures. Within the project it is possible to work on all these parts or focus more on some of the questions.

The work will mainly be part of a larger project on the effects of moving out the trawl limit at the Baltic Sea coast, connected to a commission from the government to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, to improve our understanding of how fisheries management affects fish populations and food web dynamics. The postdoc may also be involved in other projects focusing on adjoining questions.

Your profile

We are seeking a motivated and curious postdoctoral researcher with a broad understanding of marine ecosystems, strong analytical skills, and a genuine interest in contributing to advancing marine fisheries and environmental management. We value not only academic excellence, but also personal qualities and abilities to cooperate in a team as well as work and develop independently.

You hold a PhD in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, with proven experience in spatiotemporal and multivariate statistical modeling. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific qualifications relevant to the position, including demonstrated independent research and peer-reviewed publications. Proficiency in statistical programming (e.g., R, Python, or similar) is a requirement, as is fluency in spoken and written English. Experience working with large datasets is considered a merit, as is knowledge of fish ecology and the Baltic Sea ecosystem. The ability to communicate with stakeholders in Swedish is also a merit.

As postdoctoral positions are aimed to support early-career researchers, we are primarily seeking candidates who completed their PhD no more than three years ago. If you have questions about the position, qualifications, or research direction, please don’t hesitate to contact us before submitting your application.

About us

Our department is an inspiring environment where you can contribute to knowledge for the sustainable use of seas, lakes and watercourses. We combine ecological, genomic, biodiversity, and fisheries research with environmental monitoring and assessment, as well as advice for national and international management. With 200 employees, we are the largest knowledge hub on aquatic systems and fisheries in Sweden, providing access to associated research infrastructure and research opportunities of high societal relevance. Our head office is in Uppsala (Ultuna) and our three other main locations are in Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm (Drottningholm). We also have three field stations in Älvkarleby, Väröbacka and Simpevarp.

Welcome to visit us at www.slu.se/aquaticresources!

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala, Sweden

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

1 October 2025, or by agreement

Application:

 Welcome to submit your application using the button below, at the latest 25 August 2025. The application should be written in English and contain a cover letter describing relevant skills and qualifications for the position, a CV documenting your academic career and education, publication list including submitted manuscripts, PhD degree diploma, transcripts of academic records, and contact details for two reference persons.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.